Australian progressive metal fans, it is finally time to stop pinching yourselves because the wait is officially over. Sweden’s undisputed kings of cognitive, emotionally driven heavy music, SOEN, are finally hitting our shores this October. For a band that has spent the last decade and a half redefining the very boundaries of modern prog with their intoxicating blend of crushing riffs, soaring melodies, and intricate rhythms, an Australian tour has been a glaring omission on their map. But thanks to The Phoenix, the group is making the long trek downstairs for their highly anticipated Reliance Tour.
Led by the rhythmic powerhouse Martin Lopez and the fiercely captivating vocals of Joel Ekelöf, SOEN has built a reputation as a band that doesn’t just play music; they craft worlds. Ever since their groundbreaking 2012 debut album Cognitive, they have consistently evolved, layering their sound with deep atmospheric tension, crushing sonic weight, and a level of melancholic beauty that few can replicate. They possess that rare live alchemy that turns a standard metal gig into a borderline religious experience.
Starting Friday, 16 October at 170 Russell in Melbourne, before moving to Sydney’s Manning Bar on 17 October and wrapping up at Brisbane’s beloved heavy haven, the Crowbar, on 19 October, this run promises to be an absolute masterclass in live performance. Adding absolute fuel to the fire, Aussie homegrown instrumental progressive royalty The Omnific are jumping on as special guests, celebrating their monumental 10th anniversary.
HEAVY caught up with the mastermind himself, Martin Lopez, to get the absolute lowdown on what took them so long to get here, how they plan to condense a massive, career-spanning discography into a single, explosive headlining set, what Australian fans can expect when Sweden’s premier sonic architects finally unleash their live show on our stages and more.
SOEN + THE OMNIFIC October 2026 Australian Tour Dates
Friday 16th October MELBOURNE, 170 Russell
Saturday 17th October SYDNEY, Manning Bar
Monday 19th October BRISBANE, Crowbar
Tickets thephoenix.au
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